Takeaways from Texas Longhorns Win Over Iowa State Cyclones
The Texas Longhorns are one win closer to a Big 12 Championship title after a 26-16 win over the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday in Ames.
Being their first game this season without star running back Jonathon Brooks, the Longhorns needed to adjust their offense, and the Cyclones seemed to take advantage of his absence at the beginning of the matchup.
However, Texas was able to eventually break loose and claim a 10-1 season record.
Texas Longhorns roster
Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
Here are the takeaways from the Longhorns' 26-16 victory over the Cyclones:
A dominant run for CJ Baxter
With Brooks out for the season, it was up to the freshman running back to carry the load on his shoulders - and he delivered tremendously.
Baxter had not started a game since Week 2 against Alabama. However, on Saturday, he broke a personal record, totaling 117 yards off of 20 carries while leading the roster in receptions.
While the Texas offense will never be the same without Brooks, trust in Baxter has skyrocketed after his performance on Saturday.
Kicker Bert Auburn is reliable
Longhorn kicker Auburn was three-for-three on Saturday night without any attempts being shorter than 39 yards. On top of that, he nailed a personal career-high 50-yard field goal attempt.
After the Cyclones matchup, Auburn has recorded 14 consecutive field goals through the posts.
Pass defense is concerning
Iowa State only recorded a total of 9 rushing yards all game, a season-low for the Longhorns. Their run defense was not the issue, however. Cyclones' quarterback and redshirt freshman Rocco Becht threw for a total of 323 yards.
While the Longhorns are close to claiming a slot in the Big 12 Championship game, there is still one regular-season game to be played. Texas will take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Austin on Friday in hopes of securing an 11-win season.
